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In the wake of the Virginia Tech University shootings in April, Indiana University of Pennsylvania announced Thursday that it will purchase a specialized emergency-communications system for campus use.

The Reverse 911 system -- scheduled for implementation by the fall semester -- will feature free instant e-mail, text and voice messaging to all individuals in the interactive-community notification network.

Indianapolis-based Sigma Communications created Reverse 911 in the late 1980s to maximize communications within communities and organizations -- particularly in a crisis.

After Virginia Tech student Seung-Hui Cho fatally shot 32 university students and faculty and wounded 25 more before committing suicide, schools nationwide, such as IUP, sought out Reverse 911 to better safeguard campuses for students and staff, according to the company's Web site.

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"The tragedy at Virginia Tech has created a heightened awareness of the need for immediate, innovative and comprehensive communication methods with students, employees and the community," said IUP President Tony Atwater. "This system will complement our existing emergency and disaster plans."

Students and parents of students can subscribe to the service for free.

IUP also is working to incorporate the Reverse 911 system with the community's existing 911 systems to further streamline communications with existing community agencies.

Although the university considered offers from other communications companies, the contract will go to Reverse 911, based on the company's ability to leave instructive voice mails on the phones of network subscribers during emergencies and its promised connection to all 39 blue-light emergency campus telephones.

A cost estimate for the services of Reverse 911 was not disclosed yesterday.